THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 054 PRELUDE TO THE OPENING OF MECCA by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem Prelude to the Opening of Mecca “The first House ever to be built for people was at Bakkah (Mecca) blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it there are clear signs; the station where Abraham stood. Whoever enters it let him be safe. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to Allah For all who can make the journey. And whosoever disbelieves, Allah is Rich, independent of all the worlds.” Koran 3:96-97 It is thought that it was in 6H after the blessed month of Ramadan had come and gone that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had a vision in which he saw himself with his head shaven with key in hand entering the Ka’bah. When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) told his Companions of the vision great elation spread amongst the majority when he announced his intention to lead them on pilgrimage to the Sacred House. However, there were some hypocrites who decided they would not to go with him on account of the fact that there would be no spoils of war to bring home. It had been several years since the would-be pilgrims had been able to visit the House of Allah. Their hearts yearned to offer their prayers at the Ka’bah once more and so preparations commenced with the white robes of pilgrimage being made ready and seventy sacrificial camels being purchased which were to be offered upon the completion of the pilgrimage. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) prepared himself and lots were cast to see which of his wives should accompany him and the lot fell in favor of Lady Umm Salamah. In his absence he designated the son of Umm Makhtum to attend to the affairs of the Muslims who remained behind. Although the pilgrimage was to take place in a sacred month, a month in which all forms of hostilities are strictly forbidden, Sa’ad Ubadah's son and Omar were of the opinion that they should, nevertheless, go fully armed to protect themselves just in case the Koraysh should take advantage of their vulnerability, and try to attack them. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was not agreeable to the suggestion and declared, "I will not carry arms, I go only to offer the pilgrimage." When the day arrived, one thousand, four hundred pilgrims left Medina for Mecca dressed in regular attire. At the first halt at a place called Dhi Hulaifa the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) asked for one of the sacrificial camels to be brought to him. As the camel stood before him he made the intention to sacrifice it, then, adorned it with garlands around its neck, after which he marked it on its right side and told the pilgrims that they should do likewise. After the dedication of the camels many pilgrims dressed themselves in their white robes in preparation for making their personal intention to offer their pilgrimage. However, some delayed as they intended to hunt as once a pilgrim puts on his pilgrimage robes hunting is no longer permissible to him until the completion of the pilgrimage. Those now dressed in pilgrim's robes followed the example of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saying, "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk," which means, "Here I am O Allah, obedient to You with happiness," a supplication which has been made by every pilgrim since the time of Prophet Abraham who was commanded by Allah to perform this call. It was the order for humanity to come and perform the pilgrimage. Shortly after the dedication of the camels, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent a man from the tribe of Khuzah -- a branch of the tribe of Ka'b -- to observe the reaction of the Koraysh. The Koraysh Learn of the Intended Pilgrimage As soon as the word reached Mecca of the Muslim’s intent to offer their pilgrimage at Ka’bah they were gripped in a state of panic. The fact that those who reported their approach told them that they bore no arms, that is, with the exception of a few carrying their sheathed hunting knives, which could not, by any means, be taken as a threat against them, did not help the matter. Shortly after their approach had been announced, the Koraysh chieftains called for a meeting of the utmost urgency in the House of Assembly to establish the course of action they should take. Two Factors There were two factors at stake; since the time of, Prophets Abraham and Ishmael, the Ka’bah had always been a place where pilgrims from all over Arabia and beyond had been free to come to offer their pilgrimage. The Koraysh had, since the very early days, been the guardians of Ka’bah and never in the history of Mecca had a pilgrim been prevented from entering the City. The opposite had always been the case, they had been welcomed and afforded the traditional hospitality of food and water which was an obligatory honor upon the tribes of the Koraysh. The problem now presenting itself was if the Koraysh refused to permit the Muslims to offer their pilgrimage, their much coveted honor would be at stake, and soon all Arabia would learn of their refusal to admit the Muslim pilgrims. On the other hand if they let the Muslims enter Mecca it would be yet another moral victory for the Muslims especially in the light of their recently failed attempt to conquer Medina. After great deliberation it was agreed that despite their situation, on no account would they permit them to enter Mecca, and so Khalid -- who had led the Koraysh against the Muslims at Uhud -- with a cavalry of two hundred was dispatched to prevent the Muslims from entering the City. Khalid's Attempt to Blockade the Muslims from Entering Mecca The Khuzah scout rejoined his fellow pilgrims at a place called Usfan and related the news of Khalid's intended blockade to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Upon learning their plans the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) enlisted the help of a pilgrim from the tribe of Aslam, who knew the area well, to lead them through the rugged mountain passes away from Khalid and then down into Mecca. It wasn't until it was too late that Khalid spotted a cloud of dust in the distance that he realized the Muslims had taken the mountain route, a route virtually impossible for him and his men to pursue, so with all haste he sped back to Mecca to warn the Koraysh of their approach via the mountains. The journey through the mountains proved to be both tiring and arduous, however it was of no concern to the pilgrims. When they reached easier terrain the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) turned to the pilgrims and told them to supplicate saying, "We ask Allah to forgive us and we repent to Him", and with humble hearts the pilgrims supplicated. Hudaybiyah Upon reaching a place called Hudaybiyah, which lies not far from Mecca on the boundaries of the sacred land, the Prophet's favorite camel, Kaswa -- the camel he had ridden during his migration to Medina several years before -- suddenly knelt down and refused to go any further. At first the pilgrims thought she must be tired or perhaps a little stubborn, but the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) told them, "The same Power that prevented the elephant from entering Mecca is now preventing us," whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) gave the instruction to strike camp. The Miracle of the Water As the pilgrims set about striking camp, some went in search of water. Eventually they came across a well, however, it was dry so they returned to inform the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi was sallam) whereupon he went with them to the well. Upon reaching it he sat down beside it, then called for vessel of water and made ablution. Thereafter he rinsed his mouth and supplicated, then poured the remaining water into the well. Miraculously, water gushed forth and the pilgrims filled their water-skins and watered their animals. When the need for more water arose, some of the pilgrims went to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to inform them of their circumstances. As they approached they saw the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) completing his ablution with water that had been poured into a vessel. After he finished his Companions told him that they had no more water and that his ablution water was all that remained. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) dipped his hands into the vessel and water began to flow from his fingers, just like springs, so much so that the need of each and every pilgrim was satisfied. The Chieftain’s Gift The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had been given a gift of some camels and sheep by two Bedouin chieftains from the tribe of Khuzah and so the animals were slaughtered and the pilgrims ate their fill. The tribe of Khuzah had not as a whole entered the fold of Islam although they inclined towards it as did their branch tribes of Aslam, Mustalik and Ka'b, however, they had allied themselves to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The alliance not only benefited the Muslims but also the Khuzah as they had, for many years, been adversaries of the Bani Bakr who had strengthened their position by allying themselves to the Koraysh. These alliances were, within the course of a short time, destined to play a crucial role between the Muslims and the Koraysh. The Peaceful Ways of the Prophet A man by the name of Budayl and his companions who inclined towards the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) happened to be in Mecca during this time so they left Mecca and made their way to Hudaybiyah to inform the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) of the hostile atmosphere. When they reached him they told him, "They are swearing by Allah they will never leave a way open between you and the House until all their warriors lie dead!" The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) told Budayl, "We did not come here to fight, we come only to offer the circumambulation around the House. Whosoever tries to prevent us, we will oppose, but I will give them time to make their arrangements to leave the way unhindered for us." In an effort to mediate, Budayl and his companions returned to Mecca only to be shunned by many. They approached Ikrimah, son of the infamous Abu Jahl and tried to tell them of the Prophet's position, but he refused to listen. However, Safwan and Urwah happened to be present and told Ikrimah that his attitude was unreasonable whereupon Safwan asked Budayl to tell him what had transpired at Hudaybiyah. Budayl told them the Prophet's intent was none other than peaceful, and he was prepared to give the Koraysh sufficient time to prepare themselves for their entrance. Urwah was of the opinion that the proposal was fair and that if it was not accepted it would harm them. He further suggested he would go to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), both as an envoy and as a scout, observe for himself the attitude of the pilgrims, return, and give them his opinion. His proposal was accepted and Urwah left for Hudaybiyah. The Miscalculated Insult In the meantime, the Koraysh, who had allied themselves to the peoples of the Ahabish, asked one of its chieftains named Hulays, from the tribe of Al Harith, a branch of the Kinanah, to also go and investigate. Hulays had taken part in the encounter at Uhud but had been appalled by the Koraysh’s mutilation of the bodies of fallen Muslims; he was also known to be a man who respected religious rites. As the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saw him approaching, he told the pilgrims to let the sacrificial camels wander freely towards him and this they did. When Hulays saw the garland camels coming towards him, it was enough to convince him the intent was indeed peaceful and so he returned to Mecca. Upon his return he gave them his opinion, however, the Koraysh rebuked him harshly, and referred to him as being incapable of assessing the situation saying he was no more than a Bedouin, who knew little of these kinds of affairs. It was a miscalculated insult. With authority Hulays responded, "People of Koraysh, by Allah, it was not for this that we allied ourselves with you, neither are we with you in this concern. When someone comes to honor the House of Allah should they be barred from it? By Him in whose hand is my soul, you either let Muhammad do what he has come to do, or, I will withdraw each and every man of the Ahabish!" The Koraysh had not reckoned upon Hulays' response and now pleaded with him to delay taking action until they had chance to draw up terms acceptable to both parties. Urwah's Audience With the Prophet By now, Urwah had reached the Prophet's camp and made straight for his tent. Urwah was made welcome and as they sat together Urwah addressed the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) at his own level and grasped hold of the Prophet's beard. Mughirah, who was standing near the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) tapped Urwah's hand gently with the flat of his sheathed sword as a warning and Urwah removed his hand. The conversation was quite lengthy and Urwah forgot himself again and once more took hold of the Prophet's beard whereupon Mughirah tapped him a little harder but this time said, "Take your hand from the Messenger of Allah's beard while it is still yours to take!" Urwah removed his hand immediately and did not forget his manners again. How All Muslims and Non-Muslims Should Respect and Honor the Prophet Urwah was constantly on his guard for signs of hidden hostility, however, he found none whatsoever and was very impressed by the way in which the Muslims respected and honored the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Upon his return to Mecca he addressed the Koraysh saying, "I have been sent as an envoy to kings; to Chosroes and to the Negus, but I have never seen a king whose subjects honored any one of them as the followers of Muhammad honor Muhammad. When he orders anything they vie with one another to fulfill it. When he makes his ablution they almost fight to receive the remaining water. When he speaks, they become quiet and refrain from looking at him straight in the face, rather, they lower their eyes in humility before him. He has offered us a fair compromise, so accept it from him." Ikrimah's Treatment of Khirash Whilst Urwah was in the Prophet's camp, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had sent yet another envoy, on camel-back, by the name of Khirash from the tribe of Ka'b to Mecca. Khirash was met by Ikrimah who wasted no time killing his camel and was about to turn on Khirash when Hulays and some of his tribesmen saw what happened and restrained Ikrimah demanding that Khirash be allowed to return to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Othman Negotiates with the Koraysh Upon Khirash’s return to the camp he went immediately to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and told him what had happened then advised him saying, "O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), send someone to them who is more respected than myself." The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) accepted his humble advice and called upon Omar, but Omar reminded him that the Koraysh were very hostile toward him and there was no one in his own tribe strong enough to lend his support. Omar then suggested that Othman, Affan’s son, should go on account of the fact he was not only highly respected amongst many of their tribesmen but also wise. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) agreed and Othman made his way to Mecca to reason with the Koraysh. The days went by, and the pilgrims waited patiently for Othman’s return. Each day they looked anxiously for his return until they began to fear something evil had befallen him. The Oath of Allegiance It was during this time the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) called his followers around him under an acacia tree and asked them to renew their oath of allegiance. The first to give his oath was Sinan from the tribe of Khuzaimah, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) extended his left hand and held it with his right hand saying, "I pledge my allegiance for Othman", then, one by one the Muslims renewed their oath of allegiance. “To Allah belong the armies of the heaven and the earth. Allah is the Almighty and the Wise. We have sent you (Prophet Muhammad) as a witness and as a bearer of glad tidings and warning, so that you believe in Allah and His Messenger and that you support him, revere him, and exalt Him, at the dawn and in the evening. Those who swear allegiance to you swear allegiance to Allah. The Hand of Allah is above their hands. He who breaks his oath breaks it against his self, but for he that keeps his covenant made with Allah, Allah shall give him a mighty wage. The Bedouins who lagged behind will say to you: ‘We were occupied with our possessions and families, so ask Allah to forgive us.’ But they say with their tongues what they do not mean in their hearts. Say, ‘Who can help you against Allah if it is that He wills harm for you or desires benefit for you? Allah is Aware of what you do.’ No, you thought that the Messenger and the believers would never return to their families, and this was made to seem fair in your hearts so you harbored evil thoughts, and so you are a destroyed nation. But whosoever disbelieves in Allah and His Messenger, We have prepared a Blazing Fire for the unbelievers. To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He will and punishes whom He will. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. Koran 48:4-14 Othman’s Respect for the Prophet Not long after the pledging Othman returned unharmed. He had been well received but the Prophet's request had been rejected, however he had been given the opportunity to offer his own personal pilgrimage but out of respect for the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) he declined. The Thwarted Plan Meanwhile, some of the Koraysh set out from Mecca with the intent of initiating a surprise attack upon the Muslims. However, their plans were thwarted and the aggressors brought before the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), who justly released them after they gave their promise never to attack Muslims again. The Treaty of Hudaybiyah Shortly after the failed attempt, a delegation from Mecca arrived at Hudaybiyah. They were treated with courtesy and found their host to be amenable and soon negotiations between the Koraysh and the Muslims were underway. In the month of Zul Qa’da 6 years after the migration verbal negotiations resulted in a ten-year peace treaty between them. However, as a token of good will it was agreed that the Muslims would forego their pilgrimage that year, but, it was agreed that thereafter they would be permitted to offer their pilgrimage each year at the Ka’bah for three days during which time the Koraysh would leave the City. The Objection of Suhayl A problem arose when it came to writing down the terms and conditions of the treaty. The Korayshi, Suhayl, Amr's son, objected when the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) started to dictate to Ali the phrase, "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful" and said, "Write, 'In Your Name Allah.' I do not know Him, the Merciful, the Most Merciful." Providing there was no harm, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), always took the middle course and accepted and so Ali wrote, "In Your Name Allah". Suhayl objected still further when the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) continued his dictation with the words, "This treaty is between Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), and Suhayl, Amr's son," saying, "It is not my belief that you are the Messenger of Allah, if it were my opinion then I would not oppose you!" The Peaceful, Wise Approach Of The Prophet Ali had already written the words “the Messenger of Allah” and could not bring himself to strike the words out of the treaty, whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), took the document himself and erased the words from the treaty. It was a time for wisdom, and so the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) agreed that the treaty should be recorded instead as, "Muhammad, Abdullah's son." When Omar heard this he cried out with indignation, "Aren't you the Messenger of Allah, and aren't we Muslims! Should we accept this, when we are in the right and they are in the wrong, people will scoff at our Religion!" The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) made no comment for he was wise and the signing of the treaty was concluded without further incident. Omar was still very upset and went to Abu Bakr to tell of his feelings. He repeated what he had said to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), whereupon Abu Bakr responded in almost exactly the same way to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and Omar became quiet and accepted it in fear he had spoken out of turn. The Conditions of the Treaty Added to the ten year peace treaty was that both parties agreed they would neither undermine each other nor yet indulge in treachery of any kind. The treaty also contained the condition that Muslims forcefully detained in Mecca and those Meccans inclining toward Islam would thereafter be permitted to join the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in Medina, providing permission was granted by their guardians. It was also agreed that in the event that any should leave without permission they would be returned. The agreement was reciprocal and anyone in Medina who wished to join the Koraysh was free to do so under the same terms. The signatories to the treaty were the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), Ali, Abu Bakr, Omar, Abdur Rahman, son of Awf, Mahmood, son of Maslamah, and Abdullah, the elder son of Suhayl. Abu Jandal For some time Suhayl's son, Abu Jandal, had longed to join the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) just as his brother had done, and had accompanied his father with the intention of joining the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) at Hudaybiyah. Now that this clause had become part of the treaty, Abu Jandal knew his father would never permit him to join the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and if he tried to join him, he would be returned to Mecca. Abu Jandal was deeply upset, broke down, and wept, whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) consoled him saying, "Be patient Abu Jandal, Allah will help you and find a way for you and others like you." The Commitment of the Tribes of Khuzah and Bakr Among those present during the drawing-up of the treaty were notable tribesmen from the tribe of Khuzah allied to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and notables from the tribe of Bakr allied to the Koraysh. The notables from the Khuzah announced they too wished to be included in the treaty saying, "We are with Muhammad in his bond and treaty." The representatives from the tribe of Bakr also made it clear that it was their wish also to be included but that they stood with the Koraysh in both their bond and treaty. The matter was then taken to their chieftains who were agreeable and so they became party to the terms and conditions of the truce. The Disappointment of the Pilgrims Tremendous disappoint and a feeling of numbness spread among the pilgrims as they learned they were not going to be able to offer their pilgrimage that year, however, they were heartened to learn they would be able to do so in subsequent years. The Sacrifice and the Shaven Heads When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) ordered the shaving of their heads and the sacrifice of the camels at Hudaybiyah, and not in the traditionally ordained places, the pilgrims were somewhat bewildered and the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) had to repeat the order twice, but the pilgrims remained as if frozen, uncomprehending. Eagerness to Follow What the Prophet Did and Said The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) returned to his tent and told Lady Umm Salamah what had transpired and during the conversation it was thought best that he should go out but not speak to anyone until he had sacrificed his camel. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) left his tent and went to the camel he had dedicated for sacrifice and in a clear voice proclaimed, "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar," and slaughtered the camel. Immediately the numbed condition of the pilgrims vanished as they raced with one another to offer their sacrifices in eagerness to obey their beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Then, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) called to Khirash and told him to shave his head whereupon most of the pilgrims followed the Prophet’s example and shaved their heads. Such had been their enthusiasm to shave that Lady Umm Salamah remarked some time later that she feared they might seriously injure themselves. There were however, a few others who did not shave their heads entirely, preferring just to cut it short as it was known that this too is acceptable. Whilst the shaving was in progress the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) returned to his tent with Khirash and came out shortly afterwards and supplicated, "May Allah have mercy on those who shaved their heads." The barbers exclaimed, "And upon the shavers of the hair, O Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam)?" But the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) repeated his supplication again, which was met by an even greater outcry and he repeated his supplication yet a third time, but this time he added, "And the shavers of hair!" When the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was asked why he had supplicated only for those who had shaved their heads he replied, "Because they did not doubt." Suddenly, there was a strong gust of wind, and the hair that lay strewn across the camp was lifted up into the air and blown towards Mecca. Preparations for the Return to Medina It was now time to dismantle the tents in readiness for the return journey to Medina. Much had been achieved but still the deep disappointment of not having been able to offer their pilgrimage at Ka’bah weighed heavily upon the hearts of the pilgrims. Omar's Remorse Omar deeply regretted his uncontrolled outburst during the writing of the treaty, for he knew that the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) obeyed Allah, and that he should neither have questioned the authority nor yet the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). He also felt his outburst was reprehensible and so he rode quickly until he caught up with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) however, was preoccupied with other affairs and did not pay much attention to Omar and he felt even worse whereupon Omar rode ahead muttering to himself, "Let my mother mourn for her son Omar!" As Omar rode on alone his fears overwhelmed him and he was deeply troubled that his actions might be the subject of a Revelation. Immersed in sincere regret, Omar did not hear the pounding of horses hooves until its rider caught up with him. The rider bore a message from the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) asking him to return to him. Obediently, Omar turned his mount around and rode toward the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). As he approached, Omar's fears were waylaid as he saw the Prophet's face aglow with happiness. As Omar drew alongside the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), he told Omar he had receive a Revelation which was dearer to him than anything else under the sun. It was the chapter Alfat-h; The Opening, which begins with the verses: "Indeed, We have opened for you (Prophet Muhammad) a clear opening, that Allah forgives your past and future sins, and completes His Favor to you, and guides you on a Straight Path, and that Allah helps you with a mighty help ..." Koran 48:1-3 The chapter also spoke of the allegiance given to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) under the tree saying: "Allah was pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you under the tree and He knew what was in their hearts. Therefore, He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with a victory close by." Koran 48:18 The vision that prompted the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) to make the pilgrimage to Mecca is also spoken of with reassurance: "Indeed, Allah in truth, has realized His Messenger's vision. You shall enter the Sacred Mosque in security if Allah wills, with hair shaven or cut short and without fear. He knew what you did not know and granted you a near victory." Koran 48:27 Much to the elation of the pilgrims, their beloved Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) told them that Allah had accepted their pilgrimage on account of their intention. The Prelude to the Opening of Mecca 054 Back Cover Subtitles The Koraysh Learn of the Intended Pilgrimage Two Factors Khalid's Attempt to Blockade the Muslims from Entering Mecca Hudaybiyah The Miracle of the Water The Chieftain’s Gift The Peaceful Ways of the Prophet The Miscalculated Insult Urwah's Audience with the Prophet How All Muslims and Non-Muslims Should Respect and Honor the Prophet Ikrimah's Treatment of Khirash Othman Negotiates with the Koraysh The Oath of Allegiance Othman’s Respect for the Prophet The Thwarted Plan The Treaty of Hudaybiyah The Objection of Suhayl The Peaceful, Wise Approach Of The Prophet The Conditions of the Treaty Abu Jandal The Commitment of the Tribes of Khuzah and Bakr The Disappointment of the Pilgrims The Sacrifice and the Shaven Heads Eagerness to Follow What the Prophet Did and Said Preparations for the Return to Medina Omar's Remorse